Civilian Gun Self-Defense Blog

Belen teen shot after alleged auto break in

A Belen teenager is recovering in an Albuquerque hospital after being shot early Friday morning while allegedly breaking into a vehicle.

Belen Police Detective Richard Perea said a 16-year-old Belen boy is in stable condition at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Perea said the teenager is suffering from wounds to the back of his right arm and leg.

"We got a report of an attempted burglary of a vehicle on La Luz at about midnight on Thursday," Perea said. "The homeowner heard something outside and looked out the window. She told the officers that she saw two individuals who ran off when they saw her looking out."

The detective said the homeowner's husband reported hearing something again at about 3:45 a.m. Perea said the man walked outside with a shotgun and discovered someone inside his Toyota pickup truck.

"He (the homeowner) walked outside and fired one shot at the direction of the suspect, who had fled once the man walked outside of his home," Perea said. "The suspect was hit on the back of his right arm and leg, by a shotgun with bird shot."

Perea said the teenager stumbled, but was able to make it to an awaiting car down the street and left. The homeowner, whose name has not been released, told police later that he wasn't sure if he hit anyone. The detective said that when police arrived, they couldn't find the suspect's vehicle or any evidence that someone had been shot.

It wasn't until a few hours later when an ambulance was called for a gunshot victim at a Belen home that police were able to make the connection, Perea said.

"The driver of the car that left after the attempted burglary, had taken (the suspect) home and then went home himself," Perea said. "A few hours later, (he) called his friend, who picked him up, and took him to his mother's house. She's the one who called 911."

Perea said the case is still under investigation and charges have not yet been filed against the two teenagers. As for the homeowner, the detective said he needs to complete the investigation and conduct a follow-up interview before submitting the case to the district attorney's office for review.

Labels: NM, street property theft

Pizza delivery man kills assailant

Police will not bring charges against a pizza delivery man who shot and killed a man trying to rob him Friday.

The Roswell Police Department said the delivery man, who has not been named, acted in self-defense.

A witness said the delivery man was approached by several people. She said the group attacked him and tried to take his money.

That is when the delivery man pulled out a gun and began shooting.

One person, described as a male in his 20s, was shot and killed. Two other suspects, whom police are still looking for, fled the scene.

Labels: NM, pizza delivery driver, street robbery

Charges dismissed for man accused of killing brother

The Bloomfield man accused of killing his brother in July had all charges dismissed after a preliminary hearing Friday.

Armon Martinez, 24, had been charged with first-degree murder for shooting his older brother Roman three times on July 24, 2007, after repeatedly receiving violent threats from him.

The preliminary hearing was held in Farmington Magistrate Court to determine if the District Attorney's Office had sufficient evidence to prove the killing was intended or planned, which is necessary for the case to be heard by a jury in District Court.

By dropping the charges, Magistrate Judge William Vincent expressed that he interpreted the shooting as one of self-defense.

The case for self-defense was best made in the testimony of Armon's brother, Jerome, who told the court Armon was backing up, telling his brother to "get back" as Roman approached while yelling threats.

"If a man can break you in half with his bare hands, most of us would feel it's perfectly acceptable to arm yourself and defend yourself against such a man," Defense Attorney Gary Mitchell said, referring to Roman's powerful build and demeanor.

The ruling was a disappointment, assistant district attorneys Carolyn Wilber and Eric Morrow said.

"We presented a good case," Wilber said. "I believe we pretty well established a motive for a first-degree (murder)."

That office plans to refile a new case against Martinez, likely reducing charges to second-degree murder, Wilber said after the decision.

"We'll go back and put our heads together and we'll see what we can refile on," she said.

Roman, who several family members testified was incredibly violent when he was drunk, had threatened Armon throughout the day while Armon was serving as Roman's designated driver, as well as in the preceding days.

Arnold Martinez, the men's father, told the court he was "petrified" of Roman, and had even attempted to file a restraining order against Roman the day he was killed.

The prosecuting attorneys appeared to be scrambling for objections against witnesses testifying to how afraid Armon really had been of Roman.

(More)

Labels: domestic dispute, NM

Two men who were shot charged with felonies

A shooting last week that left two Los Lunas men injured has been determined by deputies to be justified, and the pair are now facing multiple felony counts in connection with the incident.

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, deputies found Arthur Lovato Jr. and Sean Viviani, both 23, suffering from gunshot wounds they received at a house in Tomé. On Friday, Lovato was arrested. Viviani remains in the hospital recovering from his injuries. Deputies say Viviani will be taken into custody after he's released.

Valencia County Sheriff's Detective Sgt. John Gordon said that after speaking to the homeowner, Fred Christanelli, and his wife, Susie, and conducting an investigation into the shooting, deputies determined the shooting was justified and done in self-defense. Christanelli, who police say shot Lovato and Viviani, will not be charged, Gordon said.

Instead, Lovato and Viviani have been charged with a total of 18 felony counts including aggravated burglary, two counts of armed robbery, extortion, attempted criminal sexual penetration, attempted aggravated burglary and several counts of accessory and conspiracy.

Gordon said Lovato, who was shot once in the leg and whose head a bullet grazed, was arrested Friday morning during a court hearing in District Judge John Pope's courtroom.

"We put the arrest warrants out for Mr. Lovato and Mr. Viviani, and we learned that he (Lovato) had a court hearing this morning," Gordon said. "We arrested him, and he gave us a statement."

According to the detective, the Christanellis told deputies a few days after the shooting that they were in debt and were unable to pay their bill.

The person to whom they owed money "sent Viviani and Lovato to collect the $400 debt," Gordon said. "The first time they went over there, Mr. Christanelli wasn't home, and they spoke to his wife, Susie. They left and waited on the ditchbank until the husband returned home about 30 minutes later."

The detective said Lovato and Viviani confronted the couple and demanded the money. Gordon alleged that when the Christanellis told them they didn't have it, Lovato and Viviani went inside and ransacked the house looking for money. They found a little more than $100, the detective said.

"While still in the house, Lovato produced a knife and Viviani a handgun," Gordon said. "They threatened the couple and told them that they needed to get more money."

The detective said when the two men walked outside and into the front yard, Viviani demanded the couple's cell phone, When Fred Christanelli told him no, both men allegedly threatened to sexually assault his wife, Gordon said.

"They (Lovato and Viviani) were approaching the house again when Mr. Christanelli got a gun from inside his house and shot both of them at close range," Gordon said. "At that time, everyone fled the scene,"

Deputies initially believed that the two men left the scene in a car being driven by a third party, but Gordon said he now thinks Lovato was the driver.

"There was no third person," Gordon said. "Mr. Viviani (who was shot in the chest) was afraid he was going to die, demanded to be let out of the car."

Lovato dropped Viviani at a home on Patricio Road and then drove himself to a house where he was staying on N.M. 47. Gordon said when Lovato arrived, an unknown person left in the vehicle.

Neither Fred Christanelli nor his wife, Susie, was injured during the incident.

Lovato is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond at the Valencia County Adult Detention Center in Los Lunas. He is scheduled to appear before Magistrate Tina Gallegos for an arraignment hearing on Monday.

Labels: NM, residence robbery

Man, 85, Fools, Captures Alleged Burglar

An 85-year-old man whose home was burglarized three times within a week decided to take matters into his own hands. Alton Tillman left his home at his regular time Tuesday, but doubled back and quietly went inside, finding emptied drawers, items in disarray _ and someone's feet sticking out from under a bed, police said.

Tillman ordered him out, then called 911.

When officers arrived, they found Tillman pointing a handgun at a 16-year-old boy standing against a wall, they said.

Officers said they found several items belonging to Tillman in the boy's pockets and other items of the man's at the youth's home a block away.

The teenager was charged with felony burglary and larceny.

Police Capt. Patrick Whitney said people should call officers rather than acting on their own.

"We're not Superman either, but at least we do have the equipment and the training," he said.

Labels: NM, residence burglary

Albuquerque police: Man shoots neighbor's intruder

A man coming to the aid of his West Side neighbor shot an intruder, even as the intruder beat him with a crowbar, Albuquerque police say.

Police said Gregory Lawrence Powers, 36, broke into the West Side yard around 10 p.m. May 26.

After a neighbor arrived with a gun, Powers attacked him with a crowbar, according to a Metro Court criminal complaint. Powers continued beating the Good Samaritan even after being shot three times, the complaint said.

Powers was taken to University of New Mexico Hospital and treated for gunshot wounds to the chest and groin. He was released into police custody Monday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Powers is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The neighbor was treated and released from UNMH.

Labels: assault, intruder, NM

Grants man holds gun on escapee

A recent failure of an inmate to report back to authorities after a furlough ended in a local resident holding the man at gunpoint until authorities arrived.

After an incident in March 2006, charges were filed against Paul Valdez by the N.M. State Police on numerous counts, including armed robbery, aggravated burglary, two counts of breaking and entering, and the unlawful taking of an automobile.

Recently Valdez was found incompetent to stand trial; so, he was transported early this month by the Sheriff's Department to Las Vegas, where people are sometimes sent while officials make a determination of their competency to stand trial.

While he was in the Las Vegas institution, his uncle, Gino Valdez Jr., died, and Valdez was to be a pallbearer at the funeral. Valdez was transferred back to the Cibola County Detention Center and was released April 9 on a 24-hour furlough.

His family then drove Valdez back to the detention center, but he never made it inside; instead, he ran across the street from the facility. As soon as law enforcement was notified, a massive police presence initiated a search for the fleeing Valdez.

After a two-hour search, a local resident notified authorities that Valdez had been hiding in the brush and bushes. The resident had a gun and had made Valdez lie down on the ground until authorities arrived. Valdez did not resist. He is now back in custody.

Although all ended well, the outcome could have been worse.

"(If) that citizen had shot Valdez, this could have been a different story. As citizens, you do have the right to make a felony arrest in your presence, but you cannot use undue force. There is a fine line there, so check on the laws first or you may be explaining your actions before a jury of your peers," Hall said.

Valdez now faces additional charges of escape from a criminal detention center.

Labels: fugitive, NM

Elderly Hobbs Man Shoots Intruder

Hobbs police say they rarely hear of burglaries when people are home and it`s even rarer for a victim to fire shots.

Residents of Hobbs say Jerald Hanson has been around the town forever. He’s a guy you can see riding around town on his motorcycle who never puts up with much from anybody. He’s known by most as Pac Rat but ever since early Friday morning he’s been known for a lot more.

"Lying in bed, heard some funny noises you know? And this guy was in my house. He had a knife and he says give me all your money or I`ll kill you! That`s where he made a mistake, he started counting it. It just gave me enough time to go under my pillow and get my gun. I shot at him."

That’s the account from Hanson after police say 36 year old Rodney Rudy broke into his home around 3:30 Friday morning.

"Here we have an instance where a gentleman is 76-years old and you have a suspect that`s 36-years old in a lot better shape, a lot younger, obviously standing over with a knife, surprising someone that was asleep. So it`s a situation that doesn`t happen often" says Captain Donnie Graham with the Hobbs Police Department.

Hanson fired two shots at the suspect, one of those hit Rudy in the left abdomen and back area. He then ran to a nearby home. Police found him and took him to Lea Regional Hospital. He was later taken to University Medical Center in Lubbock where he remains in stable condition. Police say when he recovers he could face some serious charges including robbery or aggravated burglary. Both are second degree felonies.

Hobbs police say New Mexico citizens are allowed to take reasonable and necessary steps to protect themselves or their property and they will investigate what happened at Hanson’s house.

Labels: NM, residence robbery

Carjack attempt leads to shooting; two injured

A man who police believe had already stolen one truck Sunday evening allegedly went back for a second one prompting gunplay between the would-be thief and his victim.

Officials say that the first carjacking occurred at a buffet restaurant on Coors when the man forced his way into a Nissan Titan and forced a family out of the truck at gunpoint.

Shortly later the same evening, the man spotted a second Nissan Titan at a Walgreen store at Coors and Central, but the second victim was armed and the two exchanged gunfire, with each of them being struck.

“The victim decided to take that [situation] into his own hands, but unfortunately the victim was shot,” said APD spokeswoman Trish Hoffman.

Both men were transported to an Albuquerque hospital. Police expect they will both survive.

Labels: carjacking, NM

Man armed with BB gun shot during robbery attempt

A man carrying a BB gun was shot by a Northeast Heights shop owner while attempting to hold it up Friday night.

The incident happened at about 7:30 at the Higher Source smoke shop near Lomas and Wyoming. The co-owner of the shop reportedly shot the suspected robber with a nine millimeter handgun.

When police arrived, they found the suspected robber with two to three gunshot wounds to the chest.

“It appears at this point that the offender, when he walked into the business, may have had a BB gun,” said APD spokeswoman Trish Hoffman. “It looks very much like a real gun and the business owner may have shot him.”

The suspected robber was rushed to a hospital where he was listed in stable condition. He has been identified only as a 34-year-old Hispanic man.

The co-owner of the shop was detained briefly for questioning and released.

Mother of robber says she’ll sue store owner

The mother of a man who was shot three times by the owner of store that the man was trying to rob says she intends to rob (sic) the store owner.

Lorraine Sena, the mother of 34-year-old Mitchell Sena, says her son admits to trying to rob the shop armed with a BB gun to get money for drugs. But she says shop owner John Kemm only needed to shoot her son once – not three times.

Kemm, the owner of Higher Source Smoke Shop, says, “I will do whatever I have to do to protect myself.”

Kemm’s version of the February 9th event and the version Mitchell Sena related to his mother differ.

“Through the camera, I saw a gun in his hand aiming at the register,” said Kemm. “I heard him shout, basically, ‘Give me all your money or I will shoot and kill you.’”

Kemm says he snatched his handgun and “at that precise moment I shot him with the first shot in the shoulder.”

Kemm says Sena continued to try to go for the BB gun, which Kenn thought was a real firearm, and Kemm shot Sena two more times – he claims in self defense.

But Lorraine Sena says her son claims the second and third shots were execution style and that her son begged not to be shot.

Police say that Mitchell Sena will be arrested and charged with armed robbery when he’s released from the hospital. Police have not charged Kemm with anything.

Labels: business robbery, NM

Car theft ends with two hospitalized

The attempted theft of a car in Los Lunas Tuesday morning ended with a seven mile car chase and two men in the hospital.

Officials say that a homeowner heard his son’s Cadillac running outside the house and ran outdoors to stop the man in the car from leaving.

According to police, the man in the car then used the car to pin the other man against a fence. The homeowner responded by firing a shot through the windshield, striking the suspect once.

The homeowner pursued the stolen car for seven miles until it ended up crashed in a ditch. The suspect fled to a local volunteer fire department where he collapsed.

Both the homeowner and the suspect were taken to University of New Mexico Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Charges against the alleged car thief are pending. Officials need to consult with the Valencia County district attorney before determining what, if any, charges will be filed against the homeowner.

Pinned man shoots alleged car thief

The getaway went all wrong for an alleged car thief in Valencia County this morning when he fled with a Cadillac and a gunshot wound.

Police say the alleged thief pinned the homeowner with the car he was trying to steal, but got shot himself in the process.

This morning a Tomé homeowner woke up to see his son's car being stolen out of the family's driveway. He armed himself and ran out to make it clear this was not going to be an easy steal.

The suspected thief drove the Cadillac he was trying to steal toward the homeowner pinning him against a fence. The homeowner retaliated by firing one shot.

That shot hit the suspect, but he fled the scene in the Cadillac with the homeowner following him for seven miles.

“When he went out, he was pinned by that vehicle against the fence,” New Mexico State Police Sgt. Robert Miller said. “There were shots fired by the victim.

“At that point they continued on a small pursuit.”

But before the homeowner caught up, the alleged thief crashed and abandoned the Caddy. While bleeding from his wound, he stumbled and fell in front of a commuter driving to work who happened to be behind him.

The commuter thought he hit the suspect with his truck, ran out alarmed and then realized the bleeding man had been shot. He then called 911.

The suspect remains at UNM hospital with a gunshot wound, but police said it is not life-threatening.

The father was also taken to UNM Hospital but treated and released.

Labels: NM, street property theft

Killing reported as home defense

Albuquerque police are investigating a South Valley homicide which initially was reported as a homeowner shooting an intruder who then drove into the home as he tried to flee.

The 911 call came in about noon from the 600 block of Desert Dr. SW with the homeowner saying he had just shot an intruder.

Police think the suspected intruder, after being shot, got into a car, rammed a roof-support pillar and fence, then died.

Police are questioning the homeowner and his wife and kids who were in the home at the time.

Detectives have not determined if the shooting took place inside or outside the house, but they did recover a gun inside.

No one is charged with a crime at this point.

Late this afternoon the body of the suspected intruder was still in the car.

Police have been waiting for a search warrant to proceed with the investigation.

Investigators also cautioned the information currently released is very preliminary. They also said they're still checking out the homeowner's story.

The homeowner and his family were not hurt in this incident.

No names have been released.

Dead man tried burglary

A deadly shooting in southwest Albuquerque Friday was the result of a burglary gone bad, according to Albuquerque police who released the dead burglar’s name today.

Raymond Gabaldon, 40, had a long criminal record and was driving a stolen car when he picked the home in the 600 block of Desert Drive SW to burglarize. He broke into the home apparently unaware the frightened homeowner, his wife and two children were there, according to police.

The homeowner then shot Gabaldon who fled to the car reported stolen on Dec. 7, his birthday, but crashed it into the home and a fence as he died behind the wheel from the gunshot wound.

Police are not releasing the family’s name and said the homeowner will not face charges. He called 911 reporting he had shot an intruder although police initially cautioned they needed to investigate further before accepting the story.

Gabaldon had a history of burglary and auto theft charges dating back to the 1990's.

“We don't know exactly yet, but we do know that the officer that was at the homicide had taken several calls with the same description,” Albuquerque police Officer Trish Hoffman said. “So we do believe he may be linked to some other burglaries maybe that we haven't been able to solve."

While the homeowner has not been charged, police are forwarding the case to the district attorney's office for review.

This was the third time in a month that a homeowner in the metro area shot and killed someone entering their homes.

In all three cases the homeowners were not charged.

Labels: NM, residence burglary

One Dead In Home Shooting

Investigators Believe Self-Defense Led To Shooting

What started as a call about a possible home invasion in the east mountains turned deadly Thursday night.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office said it received several calls about a person trying to enter a home on La Madera Road in the Sandia Park neighborhood at about 8 p.m. Thursday night. But by the time deputies arrived one person, now identified as 23-year old Christopher Mack, was dead in the home.

Investigators believe the homeowner armed himself with a gun before deputies could get there and fired at Mack. Deputies said they spoke with the homeowner and have since released him.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office said they are trying to figure out what led Mack to the home in the first place.

The case will now be turned over to the District Attorney's office for further investigation

Intruder shot in East Mountains home was schizophrenic, mother says

A La Madera man may not face charges after deputies say he shot and killed a man who was invading his home in the East Mountains.

Christopher Mack, 23, was killed Thursday night.

Deputies say Mack broke into a La Madera home around 8 p.m. Thursday. The homeowner called deputies, but by the time they got there, Mack was dead.

Deputies say the homeowner shot the man in self-defense, so the homeowner may not face charges.

Mack’s mother, Patti Scherer, told Eyewitness News 4 he was diagnosed with schizophrenia three years ago. She says she’s been trying to get him help ever since.

“He may have been confused, trying to find his way home,” she said. “Maybe he assumed he was in his house, and this man was a stranger in his house.”

Scherer says her son has never been a violent person and has no criminal history.

She says her other son, Patrick, died of poisoning four years ago at the same age as Christopher: 23 years, eight months.

Labels: home invasion, NM

Suspected home invader shot, killed

A late-night shooting in the Four Hills area of Albuquerque left one person dead and a homeowner shaken.

Police say the homeowner called 911 about 11:30 Saturday night.

Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson Trish Hoffman says the homeowner woke up to sounds inside his house, discovered a burglar and shot the intruder.

The intruder died at the scene. Detectives haven’t released whether the intruder was armed.

Detectives are investigating the scene as a homicide, but say it’s possible the homeowner won’t be charged because it may be a justifiable homicide.

Labels: NM, residence burglary

Assault suspect shot dead

An Albuquerque man allegedly being beaten by four teen-agers picked up a pistol they dropped and killed one of his attackers, according to the Albuquerque Police Department.

Gabriel Contreras was questioned and released by police who said he apparently acted in self-defense. APD identified the dead man as Javier Torres.

Three teens ages 15 to 17, suspected of being Torres’ accomplices in the beating, were arrested and charged with kidnapping and aggravated battery.

Officers dispatched to 920 Continental SE shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday found a man shot in the chest and lying in the courtyard of the Warren Continental apartments.

Homicide detectives questioned numerous witnesses and pieced together a story of the four young men going to Contreras’ home intent on beating him up. When he refused to come out, they dragged him and his girlfriend into the courtyard and began beating him, witnesses told investigators.

During the altercation, one of the teens dropped a handgun which Contreras picked up and used to kill Torres. What police don’t yet know is why the four young men targeted Contreras in the first place.

Labels: assault, criminal's gun taken away and used against him, home invasion, NM

DA decides August '05 killing in RR was self defense

Police are still investigating the Easter Sunday death of Rio Ranchoan Sarah Feeney in her Entrada Point apartment, but 13th Judicial District Attorney Lemuel Martinez was able to answer questions about one of 2005's murders.

Matthew Durand, a 27-year-old Rio Rancho resident, was found dead in the front yard of a Sunflower Drive home last August. Although police investigated the case as a homicide, Martinez determined that the defendant had a "good case of self defense," he said.

The potential defendant, whose name is being withheld because he was never charged, saw Durand in his front yard, acting weird and carrying an ice pick. The defendant then retrieved his gun and went into the yard to convince Durand to leave, Martinez said. He did not say what kind of gun the defendant had.

Durand then tried to take the gun, Martinez said, and the pair fought over it until the weapon discharged in Durand's face.

The defendant then waited until police arrived to answer their questions; his wife had called 911 when the fighting began.

Martinez said that because there was "no real evidence of any wrongdoing," he would not pursue the case.

He added that he was not necessarily satisfied that the case is closed.

"If there's a neighbor who saw anything different and would like to come forward, we would be happy to look into it again," Martinez said.

Labels: assault, NM

Former State Police Chief Shoots Intruder In Duke City

A former New Mexico State Police chief has shot and wounded an intruder in his home in Albuquerque's south valley.

Bernalillo County sheriff's spokeswoman Erin Kinnard said when Maurice Cordova and his wife returned to their home Monday night, they encountered a man in a bathroom.

Kinnard said the intruder left the bathroom and Cordova shot him in the stomach.

Kinnard said the man possibly was armed with a knife.

She said the man has been taken to University of New Mexico Hospital for surgery.

Kinnard said she doesn't immediately know his identity or condition. She said no charges have been filed against Cordova.

Cordova was appointed chief in March 1983.

He resigned Aug. 31, 1985, after a 32-year career with the state police.

Labels: intruder, NM

Man fatally shot in Las Cruces-area home

Dona Ana County sheriff’s investigators are trying to track down someone who kicked in the front door of a home and fatally shot a man inside.

Sergeant Mark Perea says 25-year-old Daniel Perez was shot in the back early Sunday.

Perea says Perez had grabbed a shotgun and fired once through his front door at the intruder. Perez says the intruder then kicked the door open and shot Perez in the back.

Labels: assault, defender killed, home invasion, NM

Florida man shot during attempted robbery

A 25-year-old Floridian was taken from Deming to El Paso's Thomason Hospital, Wednesday afternoon, for treatment of a shotgun blast to his right elbow. He was identified as Jesse Johnson, a transient.

Luna County Sheriff's Investigator Frank Pena Jr. said the shooting was in self-defense after a threat with a knife.

Pena said Johnson and James H. Carter, 67, 680 E. Sixth St., met Tuesday at Deming Truck Stop. Carter offered Johnson a place to stay for the night, gave him $20 as Johnson said he was penniless. Wednesday, about 11:30 a.m., he gave Johnson a 7-inch knife to use instead of a box-cutter Johnson was loading with a blade.

"'He began pacing nervously,'" Pena quoted Carter on Johnson. "'I never heard him come up behind me. He put his right hand around my chest. His left hand, with the knife, came up to my neck.'"

Johnson, Pena said, ordered Carter to surrender his money or die. Carter said he had no more money. Johnson demanded items of value, searching Carter's home and finding a banjo. When Johnson opened a door to put the banjo outside, Carter slammed and locked the door, retrieved a single-action shotgun and three shells, loaded the gun and fired through the window, hitting Johnson.

Carter left via a back door, driving toward a neighbor's home to use a phone and saw the neighbor drive the other way with Johnson. The neighbor, Ed Marcak, lives a tenth of a mile from Carter. Johnson ran there from Carter's house. Carter made a U-turn.

"He drove to Deming Police Department," Pena said, "surrendered his weapon and two live rounds."

Police went to Sixth Street and summoned the LCSO. Johnson, taken to Mimbres by Marcak, was treated and medicated. He was unable to speak due to heavy medication, Pena said.

"It was real bad," Pena said of the wound. "The bone was shattered, protruding from the skin. After investigation, we concluded, based on the statements of the shooter and evidence, the act committed was an act of self-defense."

Assistant District Attorney Tim Flynn agreed, Pena said. No charge was filed. Pena found the 7-inch knife outside Carter's door.

Labels: NM, residence robbery

Police investigate alleged invasion, shooting

Police say a West Side homeowner shot and critically injured an alleged intruder early Thursday afternoon.

Albuquerque police said the homeowner was at his home in the 10,000 block of Del Rey SW during the noon hour and discovered the other man in his house, possibly burgling the home.

APD officers say an altercation occurred and the homeowner shot the other man in the abdomen in the backyard.

The alleged intruder was brought to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.

The shooting prompted officials to lock down nearby Carlos Rey Elementary School.

Police have not released the names of the homeowner or the alleged intruder.

Police are talking with witnesses and have detained two men who they say are “associates” of the intruder. Nobody has been arrested.

Labels: NM, residence burglary

Clerk at bookstore stopped robbery with gun

An Albuquerque woman faces armed robbery and child abuse charges after she allegedly tried to rob an Albuquerque bookstore – but was stopped by a clerk at the store.

A criminal complaint says Victoria Weathers pulled out a knife and tried to rob Don’s Paperbacks.

The clerk, Elizabeth Johnson, complied at first as Weathers allegedly poked her in the stomach with the knife.

But when Weathers tried to leave, the complaint says, Johnson pulled a handgun from her leg holster and ordered her to stop.

Weathers immediately dropped the $160 and lay on the ground, police say.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s 9-year-old daughter, who was at the store, called 911 from a back room.

When police arrived, they arrested Weathers, who reportedly admitted to robbing the store.

Labels: assault, business robbery, NM

Bail revocation ends in shooting injuries

A Clovis bail bond employee and a suspected bail-jumper suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds Tuesday.

Crystal Snell of Hank’s Bail Bonds was shot in the leg and Javier Sanchez, 33, in the lower back about 10 a.m. in the 300 block of Gaylord, according law enforcement officials.

Both were shot by Hank Bayless, the owner of Hank’s Bail Bonds, as he tried to revoke Sanchez’ bond, according to a police press release.
…

Bayless was questioned by Clovis police Tuesday and released, Chandler said.

Chandler said the investigation is ongoing and he did not know if charges would be filed.

He said Bayless had a permit to carry the firearm.

According to court records, Sanchez failed to appear in court Aug. 9 for his arraignment on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

Sanchez had not been booked at the Curry County Detention Center as of late Tuesday night, according to a jail official.

Sheila Baker of Goodman Bail Bonds in Clovis posted $32,000 for his release on May 1.

Baker said she contracted Bayless to assist in apprehending Sanchez because she believed Sanchez had a violent streak and neither she nor any of her employees at Goodman Bail Bonds carry guns.

Tipped off by an informant, Baker, Bayless and Snell went looking for Sanchez at the 300 block of Gaylord.

A man who answered the door at the 300 block of Gaylord said Sanchez was not there. But Baker said they saw Sanchez through the door.

Baker said Sanchez tried to get away and kicked her to the ground. She said Sanchez tried to grab the weapon from Bayless. She heard two shots. She said even after Sanchez was shot he continued to try to escape and had to be physically restrained by Bayless.

Baker said Bayless called the Clovis Police Department three times asking for backup before entering the home. She said the police denied the requests. Lt. Jim Schoeffel, public relations officer for the Clovis Police Department, did not return calls seeking comment.

Baker said Bayless was acting in self-defense. Chandler said there was only one gun involved in the shooting and it belonged to Bayless.

Bondsman says shooting was self-defense

Bail bondsman Hank Bayless said Saturday he acted in self-defense and he should not have to face criminal charges in connection with the shooting of two people last month while trying to serve an arrest warrant.

Bayless, 63, was indicted Friday by a grand jury for breaking and entering, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, according to a Friday press release from the district attorney’s office.

Bayless forced his way into a private residence Sept. 20 and shot Javier Sanchez, 33, in the back while trying to take him into custody for failing to appear for a court date, according to the district attorney’s office.

Christina Snell, 31, Bayless’ employee at Hank’ Bail Bonds, was also shot in the leg during the incident at a Gayland Drive apartment.

Bayless was not indicted in connection with shooting Snell, District Attorney Matt Chandler said Saturday.

Bayless was released from the Curry County Detention Center later Friday on a $10,000 bond.

“I didn’t shoot Sanchez in the back or while he was trying to flee,” Bayless said Saturday morning as he pulled weeds outside his office. “He was shot in the butt.”

Bayless said Sanchez was extremely violent and threw Snell to the ground and against walls. He said Sanchez told the bondsmen, “I’m going to kill you.”

“During the struggle to secure him (Sanchez), he tried to disarm me and the gun fired.” Bayless said.

Bayless said he did not force his way into an apartment.

“We paid a resident of the apartment to snitch on Sanchez, call us and leave the door ajar,” Bayless said. “It was not a forced entry.”

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Bail bondsman acquitted in shooting

Jury agrees bail bondsman was acting in self-defense.
The wife, daughter and an employee of a Clovis bondsman accused of crimes against a suspected bail jumper linked hands outside the Curry County Courthouse and huddled shoulder to shoulder, relieved.

A jury found Clovis bail bondsman Hank Bayless not guilty Monday of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and breaking and entering.

The verdict was announced after more than four hours of deliberation and five days in trial, officials said.
…

Bayless was indicted almost a year ago by a grand jury on battery and assault with a deadly weapon and breaking and entering. Bayless shot Javier Sanchez, 34, of Clovis in the lower back in September 2005 while attempting to revoke Sanchez’ bond. Bayless also shot his employee Snell in the leg.

Bayless said he fired his gun in self-defense. Outside the courtroom Monday night, Snell said Bayless defended her against a violent Sanchez, who is currently an inmate at the Curry County Adult Detention Center.

“He saved my life,” said Snell, with tears in her eyes.

Snell continues to work for Bayless.

Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler said he wanted a jury to decide Bayless’ fate because of conflicting testimony from eyewitnesses.

He said several expert witnesses called upon in the trial extended its length. Prosecuting Bayless was attorney John Nilan. Representing Bayless was attorney Michael Garrett of Clovis.

“Our job,” said Chandler, “is to seek the truth.”

“Mr. Nilan presented as many of the facts of the case as allowed under the rules of criminal procedure,” Chandler said. “The jury made a decision based on those facts, and we completely respect their decision.”

Labels: assault, concealed carry permit, fugitive, NM

Attempted truck theft ends with gunshot wound

A man who drew his weapon on a suspected thief attempting to steal his pickup from in front of his house wound up shooting and critically injuring a third person.

The incident happened Monday afternoon on Ricardo Road south of Belen. Deputies say a homeowner went outside and pointed a gun at the car thief and told him to get out of his truck. That’s when deputies say an accomplice drove another car directly at the homeowner at a high rate of speed.

“Our calling party, our victim, turned around with his gun and fired a round into the windshield of that vehicle, striking the driver of it,” said Valencia County Sheriff’s Department Spokeswoman Shannon Brady.

The man who was shot was in critical condition Monday night following surgery. The man who reportedly was trying to steal the homeowner’s truck ran away from the scene when the shooting occurred and hasn’t been found. Deputies haven’t released the names of any of the people involved.

Labels: assault, NM, street property theft

Man shot dead at Wal-Mart

A Wal-Mart employee is recovering from stab wounds while her ex-husband is dead from gunshot wounds after the couple fought inside the Southeast Heights store.

While working in the deli, Joyce Cordoba, 46, was approached by Felix Vigil around 5 p.m. Thursday, Albuquerque police spokeswoman Trish Hoffman said this morning.

The divorced couple have a history of domestic violence, Hoffman said.

Vigil, 54, jumped over the deli counter and began to stab Cordoba, Hoffman said.

Due Moore, a customer who witnessed the stabbing, pulled out a gun a shot Vigil dead, Hoffman said.

Moore, 72, had a concealed arms permit and was an unpaid volunteer with the Police Department's cold case unit, Hoffman said.

Moore was taken into custody Thursday, questioned and released, she said.

"It looks like it will be justified," Hoffman said.

Cordoba was taken to University of New Mexico Hospital with multiple stab wounds and is in serious but stable condition, Hoffman said.

Wal Mart shooter likely saved life

A man attacking his ex-wife with a knife inside a southeast Albuquerque Wal Mart was shot and killed by a 72-year-old man Thursday evening.

It all happened around 5:30 p.m. at the store on San Mateo near Zuni. There was mayhem and confusion inside a southeast Albuquerque Wal Mart as employees and shoppers were sent fleeing by the sound of gunfire.

The victim in this case is 46-year old Joyce Cordova. She is in critical but stable condition at this time at UNM Hospital.

Albuquerque Police say Cordova had a long history of domestic violence with ex-husband Felix Vigil. A co-worker says Cordova was working in the deli was attacked by her ex-husband.

Vigil was shot to death by 72-year old Due Moore. Police won't say how many shots were fired, but some witnesses tell News 13 they heard at least three shots.

Police say Moore had a concealed carry license and is a well-known volunteer with APD's cold case unit.

“It’s probably a very good thing he (Moore) was there,” says APD Sgt. Trish Hoffman. “Ms. Cordova may not be here today if it had not been for him.”

Police say there was a valid restraining order in place against the victim's ex-husband.

Police say Moore has been very cooperative and has not been charged with any crime

Labels: assault, concealed carry permit, NM

Police identify Albuquerque man killed during domestic dispute

Police have identified a man who officers say was killed during a dispute with his wife on Wednesday as 37-year-old Frank Cervantes.

Albuquerque police officer Trish Hoffman says Cervantes fired gunshots at the back door of the family home as he tried to enter it Wednesday night.

Hoffman also says Cervantes fired shots at his wife, who called police.

Hoffman says that when officers arrived at the home, they found Cervantes dead and his wife and their three children inside. The woman and children were not injured.

Hoffman says no charges have been filed against Cervantes’ wife.

Labels: domestic abuse, NM

Man killed in burglary ID'd

Police say Daniel Romero shot after trying to rob a car, home

Police have identified the man shot to death on the West Side after a burglary attempt.

Elton John Richard, 27, ran after and shot Daniel Romero, 34, on Thursday after he heard Romero breaking into his Ford Bronco and garage, said Detective Jeff Arbogast, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman.

Romero had a criminal record, mostly for driving violations, going back to at least 1987. He was charged with burglary in 1990 in Santa Fe District Court and pleaded guilty to some charges relating to the crime, according to court records.

Richard, a National Nuclear Security Administration employee, was licensed to carry a gun as part of his job, said Al Stotts, an NNSA spokesman.

"He's a federal agent and is part of a group that protects radioactive materials shipments," Stotts said. "In carrying out his duty, he is, of course, armed because we have valuable materials that must be guarded."

His NNSA gun probably wasn't used to shoot Romero because those guns are kept in federal storage facilities while employees are off duty, Stotts said.

Richard served eight years in the Marines and was in Iraq for several months during the U.S. invasion. He returned to Albuquerque in the fall of 2003 to work for NNSA, said Billy Blackburn, Richard's attorney.

Richard has about a dozen medals for his military service, half of which were awarded for his time in Iraq, Blackburn said.

"Whether it was his military training or just a natural reaction to somebody breaking into your home, he reacted," Blackburn said.

Police were dispatched to Richard's house at 8205 Wolverine Drive N.W. late Thursday night on reports of a burglary.

An officer driving to the scene saw Richard in the median of Paseo del Norte just east of Eagle Ranch Road.

"I need help. I need help. They were trying to break into my house," Richard told the officer, according to a criminal complaint.

Richard pointed to where he had last seen the burglar, and the officer found a man dead, the complaint states.

Richard told the officer he had a gun, the complaint states.

Richard was released on $50,000 bond on Monday and will be supervised during his release. He must stay in Albuquerque as part of the release agreement, Blackburn said.

"The burglar went after him first," Blackburn said. "Clearly, based on the information I've received, this is a case of self-defense. The burglar broke into his car and his house - where his 15-month-old son and wife were sleeping - and then tried to get away."

Woman recalls Romero's kindness, heroism

A Santa Fe man shot to death during an alleged burglary in Albuquerque last week had a criminal past but also was known as a kind and even heroic person.

Daniel Romero, 34, was killed late Dec. 30 after he allegedly broke into a 1993 Ford Bronco parked in the driveway of a house in northwest Albuquerque. The owner of the house -- 27-year-old Elton Richard II -- allegedly caught Romero breaking into the vehicle, fought with him outside the house, chased him for about four blocks and shot him dead with a .38-caliber handgun, police have said.

Richard -- a federal agent charged with safeguarding the transportation of nuclear weapons and materials -- faces an open count of murder.

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Labels: NM, residence burglary

Man may face charges after being shot

A homeless man may face criminal charges after he was shot Saturday night at the intersection of Mars and Wellesley in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque police say Kenneth Tortolito made sexual advances toward a woman who had been trying to get him back on his feet. That’s when police say 31-year-old Yvonne DeFilippo pulled out a gun and shot Tortolito in the torso.

DeFillippo was arrested, but it’s unclear whether she will face any charges.

Tortolito is in stable condition at University of New Mexico Hospital as police consider whether to charge him with attempted sexual assault.

Labels: assault, NM

Homeowner shoots prowler outside Rio Rancho home

A prowler who fired shots at a Rio Rancho homeowner was killed when the homeowner returned fire.

Rio Rancho police spokesman John Francis says the homeowner has not been charged with a crime.

The homeowner apparently spotted an adult man in his front yard late Friday night and went outside.

A motion sensor light went on when the homeowner walked out and the intruder ran to the backyard.

The intruder opened fire when the homeowner followed.

Labels: AK, assault, NM

Intruder Shot trying to Burglarize Albuquerque Home

The intruder who was shot while trying to burglarize a Northwest Albuquerque home is in stable condition.

APD says Jacob Lopez Broke into Vior Perin’s home Saturday night near Cordova and 4th streets. Perin and his Neighbor, Rocki Herrera, got into a fight with the intruder.

Lopez beat Perin with a lead pipe and Perin then shot Lopez.

Perin, the homeowner was released last night from the hospital after being treated for lacerations.

Herrera suffered minor injuries.Lopez will be charged with larceny, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, robbery and assault.

Labels: intruder, NM